Following a review of clinical practice guidelines, researchers have identified 11 consistent recommendations for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, which they say could help guide clinicians to manage MSK pain.

Screen patients to identify those with a high likelihood of serious pathology/red flag conditions

Assess psychosocial factors

Radiological imaging is discouraged unless: serious pathology is suspected, there has been an unsatisfactory response to conservative care or unexplained progression of signs and symptoms or imaging is likely to change management

The authors say the recommendations may provide clinicians with a simple and clear consensus of current MSK pain priorities, which could also help address the variable quality of clinical care delivered for MSK pain conditions.